For those who have a penchant for travel and a taste for luxury accommodation, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card could be your ideal travel companion. Issued by American Express, this credit card is geared towards travel enthusiasts seeking to maximize their rewards through the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a business person who frequents Marriott hotels, or someone looking for an avenue to earn meaningful rewards through hotel stays, this card could be a perfect fit.
Let’s dive into the core features of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card to explore the value it brings to the discerning traveler.
Card Features
Let’s delve into the essential features of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card to understand what it offers.
Annual Fees
The card comes with an annual fee of $120. If you wish to add additional cardholders, you’ll be delighted to know that there is no additional annual fee for supplementary cards.
Interest Rates
- Purchases: The interest rate for purchases is 20.99%, which is in line with other premium travel rewards cards. It’s best to pay off the balance in full every month to avoid accruing interest.
- Cash Advances: The interest rate for cash advances is slightly higher, at 21.99%. As with any credit card, it’s advisable to use cash advances sparingly due to the higher interest rate.
Welcome Bonuses
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with a generous welcome bonus:
- Earn 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as a welcome bonus after you charge $3,000 in net purchases to your card within the first three months of card membership.
- Additionally, you can earn 10,000 more Marriott Bonvoy points if you make a purchase between the 14th and 17th month of having the card. This is an interesting feature that rewards cardholders for keeping the card in the long term.
Requirements
Good news for applicants who are concerned about income requirements: there is no minimum income requirement for this card. However, keep in mind that approval is still subject to creditworthiness.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card’s features are tailored for individuals who often stay at Marriott properties and wish to earn rewards that can be redeemed for hotel stays and other travel-related benefits. With its welcome bonuses and straightforward fee structure, it’s a card that can provide value relatively quickly, especially for those loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy brand.
Rewards Program Breakdown
Now that we’ve gone over the card’s features, let’s break down the rewards program of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and see how you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
Base Earning Rate
At its core, for every $1 you spend on purchases using the card, you’ll earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points. This base earning rate applies to most purchases that don’t fall into the specific category of Marriott purchases.
Category Bonuses
For every $1 spent on purchases at Marriott properties, you will earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points. This includes charges for your room, as well as incidental spending such as dining and spa services at the hotel.
The category bonus is a great way to accumulate points more quickly, especially if you frequently stay at Marriott properties or plan your travels and accommodations through Marriott. The points can add up quickly, helping you earn free nights and other rewards through the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Travel Benefits and Perks
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card also comes packed with a number of travel benefits and perks that can make your journeys a little less stressful. Let’s take a closer look at what you get:
Flight/Baggage Delay Insurance
If your flight is delayed by 4 hours or more, you can receive up to $500 for accommodations, restaurant expenses, and sundry items within 48 hours of being delayed.
If your baggage is delayed for 6 hours or more, you’ll also be covered for emergency purchases, essential clothing, and sundry items within 4 days of arriving at your destination.
Travel Accident Insurance
Enjoy up to $500,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance coverage when you purchase common carrier (plane, train, ship, or bus) tickets.
Hotel Burglary Insurance
If your accommodation is burglarized during your stay, you can receive up to $500 in coverage for the loss of most personal items.
Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance
This card covers theft, loss, and damage of your rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000 for rentals of 48 days or less.
Elite Status Benefits
Free Night Credit
Earn one free night credit for a stay at a Marriott property, worth up to 35,000 Bonvoy points.
Silver Elite Status
As a cardholder, you will be granted automatic Silver Elite status with 15 elite night credits per year. This opens up a world of benefits, including priority late checkout, bonus points on stays, and more.
Upgrade to Gold Elite Status
You have the opportunity to upgrade to Gold Elite status with only 10 additional elite nights (on top of the 15 granted by the card) or $30,000 in net purchases on the card each year. Gold Elite status adds even more benefits, including room upgrades, welcome gifts, and enhanced point earning.
Special Promotions or Partnerships
Refer-a-Friend Bonus
You can refer friends to sign up for their own Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and earn up to 150,000 bonus points for successful referrals.
Additional Benefits
Apart from the travel benefits and rewards earning potential, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card also offers a suite of additional benefits to enhance your daily life and experiences. Let’s dive into these extra perks:
Purchase Protection
Get insurance for eligible items charged to your card in case of accidental physical damage or theft. This insurance is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase, providing coverage for up to $1,000 per occurrence (for all purchased items combined).
Extended Warranty
The card automatically extends the manufacturer’s original warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items when you fully charge them to your card. This adds extra peace of mind when making significant purchases.
Concierge Services
As an eligible cardmember, you have access to concierge services including out-of-town worldwide emergency medical assistance and legal referrals by telephone. This can be invaluable in situations where you need expert guidance or assistance.
Exclusive Events and Offers Through American Express Experiences
- Front Of The Line® Presales: Access presale tickets for in-demand concerts, theatre productions, and events before the general public through American Express Experiences.
- Front Of The Line® Reserved Tickets: Reserve seats from an exclusive block for major events during public on-sale periods.
- Entertainment with American Express® Experiences: Take advantage of special offers and events, including advance screenings of movies and theatre packages.
- Dining with American Express® Experiences: Gain special access to food festivals and curated dining events at top restaurants.
- Retail with American Express® Experiences: Enjoy private shopping experiences and exclusive online offers for cardmembers.
- Wellness with American Express® Experiences: Access special wellness offers and experiences focused on self-care.
- Onsite Benefits with American Express® Experiences: Experience perks like expedited entry at venues, access to the American Express Lounge, express concession services, and exclusive bars at select theaters.
Summary
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a travel rewards credit card that targets individuals who frequently stay at Marriott properties or wish to accumulate points through the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
The card has an annual fee of $120 and does not charge extra for additional cardholders. Its interest rates are standard, with 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.
In terms of rewards, it offers a base earning rate of 2 points per $1 spent, with an enhanced rate of 5 points per $1 spent on Marriott purchases. There is a welcome bonus of 65,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, and an additional 10,000 points for making a purchase between the 14th and 17th months.
The card includes travel insurance coverage, such as flight/baggage delay, travel accident insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and car rental theft and damage insurance. However, it’s important to read the fine print to understand the specific terms and limitations.
With regards to elite status, cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, with the ability to upgrade to Gold Elite status under certain conditions.
Additionally, the card offers purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible items, and provides access to concierge services.
Cardholders also get access to American Express Experiences, which includes presale tickets to events, special offers, and private shopping experiences.
Overall, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a specialized travel rewards card best suited for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and want to earn points through the Bonvoy program. Potential cardholders should weigh the benefits against the annual fee and assess if the rewards and perks align with their spending and travel habits.
